CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced the capture of a wanted fugitive.
Shaw identified the fugitive as John Lytle Jr., 34, of Drane Highway, Osceola Mills. Lytle was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list in June.
On Sept. 30, 2014, Trooper Michael Meko of the Pennsylvania State Police filed a criminal complaint against Lytle. He charged Lytle with driving under the influence of alcohol, M; driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, S; driving on roadways laned for traffic, S; careless driving, S; and restrictions on alcoholic beverages, S.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Sept. 20, 2014 while on routine patrol, Meko allegedly observed a vehicle weaving in and out of its lane of travel. Meko activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.
Upon making contact with the operator, identified as Lytle, signs of impairment were observed by Meko. Lytle was then transported to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital for blood testing.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Oct. 29, 2014, at which time the charges were held to court. On April 2, Lytle failed to appear at a Pre-trial Conference.
Shaw stated that on July 17 deputies from the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Lytle, and he was taken into custody without incident. Lytle is currently lodged in the Clearfield County Jail.
Shaw thanked the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a fugitive’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”